Method and apparatus for providing an integrated network of processors

ABSTRACT

A novel network architecture that integrates the functions of an internet protocol (IP) router into a network processing unit (NPU) that resides in a host computer&#39;s chipset such that the host computer&#39;s resources are perceived as separate network appliances. The NPU appears logically separate from the host computer even though, in one embodiment, it is sharing the same chip.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 7,383,352 (U.S.application Ser. No. 11/473,892), filed Jun. 23, 2006, which is adivisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/144,658 filed May 13,2002 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel network architecture. Morespecifically, the present invention integrates the functions of aninternet protocol (IP) router into a network processing unit thatresides in a host computer's chipset such that the host computer'sresources are perceived as separate network appliances.

FIG. 1 illustrates traditional internal content sources and data pipeswhere the data routing function is performed by a host centralprocessing unit (CPU) and its operating system (OS) 110. Namely, thehost computer may comprise a number of storage devices 120, a pluralityof media engines 130, and a plurality of other devices that areaccessible via input/output ports 140, e.g., universal serial bus (USB)and the like. In turn, the host computer may access a network 150 viaapplication programming interfaces (APIs) and a media access controller(MAC).

However, a significant drawback of this data routing architecture isthat the host computer's resources or devices are only accessible withthe involvement of the host CPU/OS. Typically, accessing the hostresources from external computers is either prohibited or it isnecessary to request access through the host computer using high-levelprotocols. If the host CPU/OS is overtaxed, a substantial latency willexist where data flow may be stuck in the OS stacks.

Therefore, a need exists for a novel network architecture that allows ahost computer's resources to be perceived as separate network appliancesand are accessible without the interference of the host computer'sCPU/OS.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a novel network architecture. Morespecifically, the present invention integrates the functions of aninternet protocol (IP) router into a network processing unit (NPU) thatresides in a host computer's chipset such that the host computer'sresources are perceived as separate network appliances. The NPU appearslogically separate from the host computer even though, in oneembodiment, it is sharing the same chip. A host computer's “chipset” isone or more integrated circuits coupled to a CPU that provide variousinterfaces (e.g., main memory, hard disks, floppy, USB, PCI, etc),exemplified by Intel's Northbridge and Southbridge integrated circuits.

In operation, the host computer has a virtual port (i.e., host MAC) thatis in communication with the network processing unit and communicateswith the NPU as if it is an external network appliance using standardnetworking protocols. In one embodiment, the host computer communicatesvia the NPU with one or more auxiliary or dedicated processing unitsthat are deployed to perform dedicated tasks. These auxiliary processingunits can be part of the host or can be deployed separate from the hostto meet different application requirements. For example, some of theseauxiliary processing units include, but are not limited to, a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), an audio processing unit (APU), a videoprocessing unit (VPU), a storage processing unit (SPU), and a physicsprocessing unit (PPU). The present disclosure refers to these auxiliaryprocessing units as XPU, where the “X” is replaced to signify aparticular function performed by the processing unit. Finally, thenetwork processing unit itself is an XPU because it can, in addition torouting packets among XPUs, perform various processing accelerations onthese packets, such as authentication, encryption, compression, TCP,IPSec/VPN/PPP encapsulation and so on.

One unique aspect of the present Invention is that the XPUs havelogically direct attachments to the NPU which effectively serves as anintegrated router, thereby allowing XPUs to be seen as separate networkappliances. Since these auxiliary processing units have first-classstatus in this logical network architecture, they are allowed tocommunicate with each other or with any external computer (e.g., viaanother NPU) directly using standard internet protocols such as IP, TCP,UDP and the like without the involvement of the host CPU/OS. Using thisnovel architecture, the NPU provides both local (or host) access andremote access acceleration in a distributed computing environment.

Furthermore, by virtualizing the remaining resources of the hostcomputer, such as its physical memory, ROM, real-time clocks,interrupts, and the like, the present invention allows a single chipsetto provide multiple, virtual host computers with each being attached tothis NPU. Each of these virtual computers or virtual host may run itsown copy of an identical or different operating system, and maycommunicate with other virtual computers and integrated networkedappliances using standard networking protocols. Effectively, the presentinvention embodies its own hardware-level operating system and graphicaluser interface (GUI) that reside below the standard host operatingsystem and host computer definition, and allow the computer user toeasily configure the network or to switch from one virtual computer toanother without changing the standard definition of that host computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood byconsidering the following detailed description in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of conventional internal contentsources and data pipes;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of novel internal content sources anddata pipes of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram where a network of host computers arein communication with each other via a plurality of network processingunits;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram where a host computer's resources arenetworked via a network processing unit of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a network of virtual personalcomputers in communication with a network processing unit of the presentinvention.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of novel internal content sources anddata pipes 200 of the present invention. Unlike FIG. 1, the presentnetwork architecture has a network processing unit 210 of the presentinvention at the center of the internal content sources and data pipes.The host CPU/OS 250 is no longer central to the data routing scheme. Oneadvantage of this new architecture is that the NPU 210 provides bothlocal or host access and remote access acceleration.

An operating system is any software platform for application programs;typical examples are Microsoft Windows, Unix, and Apple Macintosh OS. Anoperating system can be run on top of another operating system (anexample of a virtual operating system) or another underlying softwareplatform, possibly as an application program.

In operation, the host CPU/OS 250 has a virtual port (i.e., host MAC)that is in communication with the network processing unit 210 andcommunicates with the NPU as if it is an external network applianceusing standard networking protocols, e.g., TCP/IP protocols. In oneembodiment, the host computer communicates via the NPU with one or moreauxiliary or dedicated processing units 220, 230 that are deployed toperform dedicated tasks. These auxiliary processing units can be part ofthe host or can be deployed separate from the host to meet differentapplication requirements.

For example, some of these auxiliary processing units include, but arenot limited to, a graphics processing unit (GPU), an audio processingunit (APU), a video processing unit (VPU), a physics processing unit(PPU) and a storage processing unit (SPU) 220. Some of these auxiliaryprocessing units can be deployed as part of the media engines 230,whereas the SPU 220 is deployed with the storage devices of the host.Finally, the network processing unit itself is an XPU because it can, inaddition to routing packets among XPUs, perform various processingaccelerations on these packets, such as authentication, encryption,compression, TCP, IPSec/VPN/PPP encapsulation and so on.

In one embodiment, the NPU 210 is a network router appliance thatresides inside the same “box” or chassis as the host computer 250, i.e.,typically within the same chipset. The NPU serves to connect variousother “XPUs” that performed dedicated functions such as:

-   -   1) Storage Processing Unit (SPU) is an auxiliary processing unit        that implements a file system, where the file system can be        accessed locally by the host or remotely via the NPU's        connection to the outside world. The SPU is a special XPU        because it behaves as an endpoint for data storage. Streams can        originate from an SPU file or terminate at an SPU file.    -   2) Audio Processing Unit (APU) is an auxiliary processing unit        that implements audio affects on individual “voices” and mixes        them down to a small number of channels. APU also performs        encapsulation/decapsulation of audio packets that are        transmitted/received over the network via the NPU.    -   3) Video Processing Unit (VPU) is an auxiliary processing unit        that is similar to the APU except that it operates on compressed        video packets (e.g., MPEG-2 compressed), either compressing them        or uncompressing them. The VPU also performs encapsulations into        bitstreams or network video packets.    -   4) Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is an auxiliary processing        unit that takes graphics primitives and produces (partial) frame        buffers. The GPU is a special XPU because it acts as an endpoint        for rendered graphics primitives. Streams can terminate at a GPU        frame buffer or originate as raw pixels from a frame buffer.    -   5) Physics Processing Unit (PPU) is an auxiliary processing unit        that takes object positions, current velocity vectors, and force        equations, and produces new positions, velocity vectors, and        collision information.    -   6) Network Processing Unit (NPU) is itself an XPU because it        can, in addition to routing packets among XPUs, perform various        processing accelerations on these packets, such as        authentication, encryption, compression, TCP, IPSec/VPN/PPP        encapsulation and the like.

Some of the above XPUs have a number of commonalities with respect totheir association with the host 250 and the NPU 210. First, an XPU canbe accessed directly by the host CPU and O/S 250 directly as a localresource. Namely, communication is effected by using direct localcommunication channels.

Second, an XPU can be placed on the network via the NPU and accessedremotely from other network nodes (as shown in FIG. 3 below). Thisindicates that an XPU is capable of processing information that isencapsulated in network packets.

Third, an XPU can be accessed as a “remote” node even from the localhost. Namely, communication is effected via the NPU by using networkprotocols.

Fourth, an XPU is always in an “on” state (like most appliances) evenwhen the host (CPU+O/S) is in the “off” state. This unique featureallows the XPUs to operate without the involvement of the host CPU/OS,e.g., extracting data from a disk drive of the host without theinvolvement of the host. More importantly, the host's resources arestill available even though the CPU/OS may be in a dormant state, e.g.,in a sleep mode.

Fifth, an XPU has at least two sets of processing queues, one fornon-real-time packets and at least one for real-time packets. Thisduality of queues combined with similar real-time queues in the NPU,allows the system of NPU and XPUs to guarantee latencies and bandwidthfor real-time streams.

Sixth, an XPU has two software (SW) drivers, one that manages thehost-side connection to the XPU, and one that manages theremotely-accessed component of the XPU. In operation, the SW driverscommunicate with the XPU using abstract command queues, called pushbuffers (PBs). Each driver has at least one PB going from the driver tothe XPU and at least one PB going from the XPU to the driver. Pushbuffers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,124, and is hereinincorporated herein by reference.

Seventh, an XPU can also be accessed on the host side directly by auser-level application. Namely, this involves lazy-pinning of user-spacebuffers by the O/S. Lazy-pinning means to lock the virtual-to-physicaladdress translations of memory pages on demand, i.e., when thetranslations are needed by the particular XPU. When the translations areno longer needed, they can be unlocked, allowing the operating system topage out those pages. The virtual-to-physical mappings of these buffersare passed to the XPU. A separate pair of PBs are linked into the user'saddress space and the O/S driver coordinates context switches with theXPU.

Although the present invention discloses the use of a network processingunit 210 to perform routing functions without the involvement of theCPU/OS, the CPU/OS 250 nevertheless still has an alternate directcommunication channel 255 with its resources, e.g., storage devices.This provides the host CPU/OS with the option of communicating with itsresources or media engines via the NPU or directly via local accesschannels 255 or 257.

In fact, although the CPU/OS is not involved with the general routingfunction, in one embodiment of the present invention, exception routingissues are resolved by the host CPU/OS. For example, if the NPU receivesa packet that it is unable to process, the NPU will forward the packetto the host CPU/OS for resolution. This limited use of the CPU/OS servesto accelerate host processing, while retaining the option to morejudiciously use the processing power of the host CPU/OS to resolvedifficult issues.

Additionally, the host resources may also be accessed via the NPUwithout the involvement of the host CPU/OS 250 via input/outputcommunication channel 240, e.g., via an USB. For example, the presentarchitecture can virtualize the remaining resources of the host computer250, such as its physical memory, read only memory (ROM), real-timeclocks, interrupts, and so on, thereby allowing a single chipset toprovide multiple virtual hosts with each host being attached to the NPU210.

One unique aspect of the present Invention is that the XPUs havelogically direct attachments to the NPU that effectively serves as anintegrated router, thereby allowing XPUs to be seen as separate networkappliances. Since these auxiliary processing units have first-classstatus in this logical network architecture, they are allowed tocommunicate with each other or with any external computer (e.g., viaanother NPU) directly using standard internet protocols such as IP, TCP,UDP and the like without the involvement of the host CPU/OS. Using thisnovel architecture, the NPU provides both local (or host) access andremote access acceleration in a distributed computing environment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram where a network of host computers 300a-n are in communication with each other via a plurality of networkprocessing units 310 a-n. This unique configuration provides both hostaccess and remote access acceleration. The accelerated functions can bebest understood by viewing the present invention in terms of packetizedstreams.

It is best to view this system of NPU and XPUs in the context of streamsof packetized data that flow within this system. There are various typesof streams that are allowed by the system. In this discussion, the term“host” means the combination of host CPU and memory in the context ofthe O/S kernel or a user-level process. The term “node” refers to aremote networked host or device that is attached to the NPU via a wiredor wireless connection to a MAC that is directly connected to the NPU(e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 below).

A host-to-XPU stream is a stream that flows directly from the host 350 ato the XPU 330 a. This is a typical scenario for a dedicated XPU (e.g.,a dedicated GPU via communication path 357). The stream does nottraverse through the NPU 310 a.

An XPU-to-host stream is a stream that flows directly from the XPU tothe host. One example is a local file being read from the SPU 320 a viapath 355. The stream does not traverse through the NPU 310 a.

A host-to-XPU-to-host stream is a stream that flows from host 350 a toan XPU 330 a for processing then back to the host 350 a. One example iswhere the host forwards voice data directly to the APU for processing ofvoices into final mix buffers that are subsequently returned to the hostvia path 357. The stream does not traverse through the NPU 310 a.

A host-to-NPU-to-XPU stream is a networked stream that flows from thehost 350 a via NPU 310 a to an XPU 330 a or 320 a. The three partiestransfer packetized data using standard networking protocols, e.g.,TCP/IP.

An XPU-to-NPU-to-Host is a networked stream that flows from an XPU 330 aor 320 a via the NPU 310 a to the host 350 a. The three parties transferpacketized data using standard networking protocols, e.g., TCP/IP.

A host-to-NPU-to-XPU-to-NPU-to-host is a networked stream that is thecombination of the previous two streams. The three parties transferpacketized data using standard networking protocols, e.g., TCP/IP.

A host-to-NPU-to-Node is a networked stream that flows from the host 350a via the NPU 310 a to a remote node (e.g., NPU 310 b). This allows alocal host 350 a to communicate and access XPUs 330 b of another hostvia a second NPU 310 b.

A Node-to-NPU-to-Host is a reverse networked stream where the streamflows from a remote node (e.g., NPU 310 b) via the NPU 310 a to the host350 a. This allows a remote NPU 350 b to communicate with a local host350 a via a local NPU 310 a.

A Node-to-NPU-to-XPU is a networked stream that flows from a remote node350 b via the NPU 350 a to an XPU 330 a where it terminates. This allowsa remote NPU 310 b to communicate with a local XPU 330 a via a local NPU310 a.

An XPU-to-NPU-to-Node is a networked stream that flows from an XPU 330 awhere it originates to a remote node (e.g., NPU 310 b) via local NPU 310a.

A Node0-to-NPU-to-XPU-to-NPU-to-Node1 is a combination of the previoustwo streams. It should be noted that Node0 and Node1 may be the same ordifferent. For example, Node0 is 310 a; NPU is 310 b; XPU is 330 b; NPUis 310 b; and Node1 is 310 n. Alternatively, Node0 is 310 a; NPU is 310b; XPU is 330 b; NPU is 310 b; and Node1 is 310 a.

A {Host,Node0,XPU0}-to-NPU-to-XPU1-to-NPU-to-XPU2-to-NPU-to-{Host,Node1, XPU3} is a stream that originates from the host, a remote node,or an XPU, passes through the NPU to another XPU for some processing,then passes through the NPU to another XPU for some additionalprocessing, then terminates at the host, another remote node, or anotherXPU. It should be clear that the present architecture of a network ofintegrated processing units provides a powerful and flexible distributedprocessing environment, where both host access and remote accessacceleration are greatly enhanced.

Under the present architecture, numerous advantages are achieved. First,it is beneficial to tightly integrate other computers and networkappliances into the same chipset. Second, it is very advantageous tooffload a host computer's I/O functions into a distributed network ofintelligent processors, where traditional latencies associated withovertaxed CPU/OS are resolved. Third, it is advantageous to providethese auxiliary I/O processors with first-class network-appliance statuswithin the chipset (optionally illustrated in FIG. 2 with dash lines)without changing the definition of the host computer. Fourth, it isadvantageous to allow these auxiliary I/O processors to be shared amongthe host computer, external computers, and internal and external networkappliances. Fifth, it is advantageous to allow the remaining resourcesof the host computer to be virtualized so that multiple virtual copiesof the host computer may be embodied in the same chipset, while sharingthe network of intelligent auxiliary I/O processors. Finally, it isadvantageous to use a hardware-level operating system and graphical userinterface (GUI) that allow the user to configure the network andseamlessly switch among virtual copies of the host computer or virtualhost.

In one embodiment of the present invention, real-time media streaming isimplemented using the above described network of integrated processingunits. Specifically, media streaming typically involves multiplesoftware layers. Thus, latencies can be unpredictable, particularly whenthe software runs on a general-purpose computer. More importantly, mediastreaming typically has a severe adverse impact on other applicationsrunning on the host computer.

However, by attaching media devices such as an APU or GPU to an NPU+SPUcombination, it is now possible to minimize and guarantee latencies aswell as offload the main host CPU. For example, referring to FIG. 3,control requests may arrive from a remote recipient 350 b (typicallyattached wireless). These control requests may include play, stop,rewind, forward, pause, select title, and so on. Once the stream is setup, the raw data can be streamed directly from a disk managed by the SPU320 a through the NPU 310 a to the destination client. Alternatively,the data may get preprocessed by the GPU 330 a or APU 330 a prior tobeing sent out via the NPU 310 a. One important aspect again is thatreal-time media streaming can take place without host CPU 350 ainvolvement. Dedicated queuing throughout the system will guaranteelatencies and bandwidth.

This media streaming embodiment clearly demonstrates the power andflexibility of the present invention. One practical implementation ofthis real-time media streaming embodiment is within the homeenvironment, where a centralized multimedia host server or computer hasa large storage device that contains a library of stored media streamsor it may simply be connected to a DVD player, a “PVR” (personal videorecorder) or “DVR” (digital video recorder). If there are other clientdevices throughout the home, it is efficient to use the above networkarchitecture to implement real-time media streaming, where a mediastream from a storage device of the host computer can be transmitted toanother host computer or a television set in a different part of thehome. Thus, the real-time media streaming is implemented without theinvolvement of the host computer and with guaranteed latencies andbandwidth.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram where a host computer's resources arenetworked via a network processing unit 410 of the present invention.Specifically, a host 450 communicates with the NPU 410 via a MAC 415(i.e., a host MAC). In turn, a plurality of XPUs and other hostresources 430 a are connected to the NPU via a plurality of MACs 425that interface with a MAC Interface (MI) (not shown) of the NPU. Oneexample of an NPU is disclosed in US patent application entitled “AMethod And Apparatus For Performing Network Processing Functions” withSer. No. 10/319,791.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a network of virtual personalcomputers or virtual hosts that are in communication with a networkprocessing unit 520 of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 5illustrates a network of virtual personal computers (VPCs) in a singlesystem (or a single chassis) 500, where the system may be a singlepersonal computer, a set top box, a video game console or the like.

In operation, FIG. 5 illustrates a plurality of virtual hosts 510 a-e,which may comprise a plurality of different operating systems (e.g.,Microsoft Corporation's Windows (two separate copies 510 a and 510 b),and Linux 510 c), a raw video game application 510 d or other rawapplications 510 e, where the virtual hosts treat the storage processingunit 530 as a remote file server having a physical storage 540. Inessence, one can perceive FIG. 5 as illustrating a “network of VPCs in abox”.

In one embodiment, the NPU 520 manages multiple IP addresses inside thesystem for each VPC. For example, the NPU 520 may be assigned a publicIP address, whereas each of the VPCs is assigned a private IP address,e.g., in accordance with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).Thus, each of the VPCs can communicate with each other and the SPU usingstandard networking protocols. Standard network protocols include, butare not limited to: TCP; TCP/IP; UDP; NFS; HTTP; SMTP; POP; FTP; NNTP;CGI; DHCP; and ARP (to name only a few that are know in the art).

It should be understood that the XPUs of the present invention can beimplemented as one or more physical devices that are coupled to the hostCPU through a communication channel. Alternatively, the XPUs can berepresented and provided by one or more software applications (or even acombination of software and hardware, e.g., using application specificintegrated circuits (ASIC)), where the software is loaded from a storagemedium, (e.g., a ROM, a magnetic or optical drive or diskette) andoperated in the memory of the computer. As such, the XPUs (includingassociated methods and data structures) of the present invention can bestored and provided on a computer readable medium, e.g., ROM or RAMmemory, magnetic or optical drive or diskette and the like.Alternatively, the XPUs can be represented by Field Programmable GateArrays (FPGA) having control bits.

Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings of thepresent invention have been shown and described in detail herein, thoseskilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments thatstill incorporate these teachings. In the claims, elements of methodclaims are listed in a particular order, but no order for practicing ofthe invention is implied, even if elements of the claims are numericallyor alphabetically enumerated.

1. A computing device comprising: a network processing unit (NPU); atleast one virtual host that includes a central processing unit (CPU)executing an operating system; and a plurality of auxiliary processingunits, wherein each of the auxiliary processing units is configured tobypass the operating system and communicate directly with the otherauxiliary processing units via the NPU, and wherein each of theauxiliary processing units is perceived by the virtual host as aseparate network appliance that provides both local access and remoteaccess in a distributed computing environment.
 2. The computing deviceof claim 1, wherein the at least one virtual host comprises a pluralityof virtual hosts, where at least two of the plurality of virtual hostsare loaded with a separate operating system.
 3. The computing device ofclaim 2, wherein each of the plurality of virtual hosts is capable ofaccessing the plurality of auxiliary processing units via the NPU.
 4. Ina virtual host having a central processing unit (CPU) and a networkprocessing unit (NPU) that is in communication with the CPU and aplurality of auxiliary processing units, a method of transporting a datapacket associated with a software application from a first auxiliaryprocessing unit to a second auxiliary processing unit, comprising thesteps of: transmitting the data packet from the first auxiliaryprocessing unit using standard networking protocols without involvementfrom the CPU; receiving the data packet at the NPU; routing the datapacket to the second auxiliary processing unit; and receiving the datapacket at the second auxiliary processing unit, wherein the CPU isbypassed in the transport path from the first auxiliary processing unitto the second auxiliary processing unit and wherein the first auxiliaryprocessing unit and the second auxiliary processing unit are perceivedas separate network appliances that provide both local access and remoteaccess in a distributed computing environment.
 5. The method of claim 4,wherein the first auxiliary processing unit resides on a first virtualhost and the second auxiliary processing unit resides on a secondvirtual host, where a separate operating system is executing on each ofthe first and second virtual hosts.
 6. The method of claim 5, whereineach of the plurality of virtual hosts is capable of accessing theplurality of auxiliary processing units via the NPU.
 7. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the standard networking protocols include InternetProtocol (IP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and User DatagramProtocol (UDP).